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Winter storm warning issued for York County, up to 8 inches of snow expected

Experts are offering tips to prepare for what could be the largest local snowfall of the season.

By TIM STONESIFER

Daily Record/Sunday News

Updated:
03/05/2013 09:12:13 PM EST

Update at 9:10 p.m.

Felton borough will have a snow emergency in effect on High and Main streets, beginning at 5 a.m.Wednesday, according to a news release.

Update at 6:40 p.m.

Crews with the state Department of Transportation will start working at midnight and continue until the snow stops falling and the roads are cleaned up, said Gary Ishman, an assistant county maintenance manager.

PennDOT has three snowblowers ready to go as well as other heavy equipment in place to help clear the roads if needed, he said.

"We're getting so many conflicting totals," he said of the pending storm.

Eric Horst, director of the Weather Information Center at Millersville University, has advised PennDOT that between 4 a.m. and noon Wednesday, the snowfall rate could be an inch an hour, Ishman said.

"I think we're going to be busy," he said.

Update at 4:40 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, York is cancelling all activities Wednesday because of the potential for inclement weather, according to a news release. The building will be closed.

Update at 4:30 p.m.

Dallastown borough has declared a snow emergency for 11 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release. Parking is prohibited on all streets designated as snow emergency routes.

Update at 4:20 p.m.

Chanceford Township has declared a snow emergency from midnight tonight through 6 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release.

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Update, 3:45

Shrewsbury borough has declared a snow emergency, which is in effect from 9 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release. No parking on borough streets during this time.

Update, 3:30 p.m.

The Hellam Township supervisors have declared a disaster emergency in advance of the approaching storm, to take effect at 11 p.m. tonight and to last for 30 days, or until terminated by the township, according to a release.

The declaration gives the township emergency management coordinator authority to alleviate the effects of the storm, and to aid in restoring essential public services, the release states.

Update, 2:15 p.m.

West Manheim Township will declare a snow emergency, to go into effect at 6 p.m. this evening, according to a news release.

That alert will stretch until Thursday at 12:01 a.m., the release states, with the possibility of being extended, depending on conditions.

Update, 12:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service has upgraded its alert level to a winter storm warning, in advance of a storm expected to first reach York County later tonight.

And at least one local borough has already declared a snow emergency, effective today.

A winter storm warning for heavy snow will be in effect from 2 a.m. on Wednesday to 2 a.m. on Thursday in York and Lancaster counties, according to the National Weather Service in State College.

Five to 8 inches of snow is now expected during that time, the weather service said in an updated forecast released just before noon.

Snow will begin to fall before daybreak on Wednesday and last through late Wednesday afternoon, forecasters say. The heavy, wet snow will make traveling dangerous and could result in power outages.

Residents with questions should contact Wrightsville Borough at 252-2768 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., or visit the borough website at wrightsvilleborough.com.

Update, 10:10 a.m.

The York County Commissioners and Office of Emergency Management are advising residents to prepare for the incoming winter storm in a news release this morning.

In anticipation of winter storm, the county is offering these preparedness tips:

Residents should maintain an emergency kit in their homes to ensure they have adequate supplies if unable to leave their homes. Such kits should minimally include: A supply of drinking water, non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, first-aid kit, radio, flashlight, personal health needs and extra batteries.

Have the phone number to your electricity provider available. Residents should not call 911 to report power outages unless the outage poses a threat to safety or property. Instead, residents should call their electricity provider.

Residents should have on hand an adequate supply of rock salt or alternate product to melt ice on walkways, as well as snow shovels and other snow/ice removal equipment.

Ensure that generators are prepared and ready to safely use pursuant to manufacturer instructions. Never use a generator indoors or near windows or doors. Call an electrician if needed to help with installation, maintenance or preparation.

Take the necessary steps to prepare alternate sources of heat (e.g. kerosene heaters, wood stoves, etc.) if residents plan to use them during a power outage. Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure an adequate supply of fuel.

Expect conditions today to be sunny and then become cloudy as the day progresses, according to AccuWeather.com. Original report: A late-season snowstorm at the end of a mild York County winter could drop in a day this week nearly half as much snow as the area's current season total, a National Weather Service forecaster said.

And the state Department of Transportation says crews will be ready for snow on the roads.

A winter storm is expected to roll into the area late Tuesday night. It will likely start as rain and snow, then turn over to all snow after midnight, said Tony Mach, a meteorological technician with the National Weather Service in State College.

One to 3 inches of snow is possible overnight, he said.

Mach said the snow will continue in York all day on Wednesday, likely not tapering off until after midnight.

The area could get about 6 inches total, Mach said, nearly half of the 13 inches recorded in Harrisburg through this year's mild winter.

"(York County) is going to get something," he said. "Maybe a lot, late in the season."

Greg Penny, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said crews are preparing for what could be the first "plowable" snow of the winter. Cleaning up from previous snowfalls has been mostly a matter of spreading salt, he said.

Penny said the area's mild winter means salt levels are in good shape and added that state crews will work 12-hour shifts through the storm for maximum effectiveness.

Even though March for some means spring - and road projects are on the horizon - the department always plans for snow through the month, Penny said. It's happened here before.

"Traditionally March is the start of construction season," he said. "But we always have to finish up winter first."